The Puducherry government has imposed a permanent ban on the sale of cotton candy in the state citing usage of a toxic chemical in its making. The ban was announced by Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan.
Taking to her official Instagram handle, Soundararajan urged the public to refrain from buying cotton candy for children, as the chemicals present in it are said to harm overall health. She further added that a chemical identified as Rhodamine-B was found in cotton candy, which is a toxic substance.
In the video, the governor in her appeal said, “It has been found that a toxic substance named Rhodamine B is being used in the cotton candies that are consumed by children and others in Puducherry.”
She revealed that the government has directed officials concerned to inspect all the cotton candy-selling shops. If in any case, the shops are found to be using the toxic substance in making cotton candy, then the shops will be sealed.
“We have directed officials to inspect shops that are selling cotton candies, and they will be seized if the presence of this toxic substance is found in the cotton candies,” she further added.
She called out the public to be well aware and make a conscious decision. “People should be aware that food items having colour additives must not be given to children.”
As per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rhodamine B is a chemical compound that functions as a dye. The RhB often enters the body when mixed with food and causes oxidative stress on cells and tissues. Moreover, it can lead to severe health conditions like liver dysfunction or cancer and even acute poisoning.